Cristiano Ronaldo’s delayed return leaves Al Nassr facing double early-season test

Al Nassr will begin their Saudi Pro League title defence without captain and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been given additional time off following his involvement with Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.

The Riyadh-based side start their league campaign against Al Fateh on Saturday, before facing Al-Diriyah three days later in the round of 32 of the King’s Cup. Both matches will be played in the Saudi capital, giving Al Nassr two competitive fixtures at home while Ronaldo remains away from the squad.

Ronaldo’s absence comes as Al Nassr prepare to open a season in which they are expected to defend their Saudi Pro League crown. The 41-year-old was not included in the club’s pre-season preparations because his extended leave followed the conclusion of Portugal’s World Cup campaign.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah, Ronaldo’s additional break prevented him from taking part in the team’s programme ahead of the new campaign. His eventual return to training is expected to come only after the holiday period granted to him has ended.

The Al Nassr captain used that time away from football to complete his marriage to Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez. He is scheduled to join up with his team-mates once his leave is over.

That means Al Nassr must begin their first two competitive matches of the season without the player who has become the central figure in their attack and one of the most recognisable members of their squad. The club’s opening fixtures will therefore take place before Ronaldo has had the opportunity to work with the team during its preparation for the new campaign.

The timing creates an early test for Al Nassr as they move from their title-winning season into the defence of the Saudi Pro League championship. Their first challenge will come against Al Fateh in the opening round of the league, followed by the King’s Cup tie against Al-Diriyah three days later.

Both games will be staged in Riyadh, but Ronaldo will not be available for either fixture because of his continuing break. The Portugal international’s return will instead follow the completion of his leave, after which he is expected to resume training with Al Nassr.

For now, the club’s preparations and opening matches will proceed without their captain. The focus will be on how Al Nassr handle the start of their title defence before Ronaldo rejoins the group.